José Ramírez Secures $175 Million Deal with Guardians for Seven Years

José Ramírez, the All-Star third baseman and American League MVP finalist, has finalized a seven-year contract worth $175 million to remain with the Cleveland Guardians. A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on March 16, 2024, under the condition of anonymity since it is pending a physical examination and has yet to be publicly announced.

This agreement extends Ramírez’s tenure with the Guardians through the 2028 season. The 33-year-old, who has spent his entire 13-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the franchise, originally had three years and $69 million remaining on his previous contract signed in 2022. The new deal will average $25 million annually, further solidifying his commitment to the team.

Ramírez’s Impressive Track Record

The contract includes a no-trade clause along with performance bonuses tied to his standings in MVP voting. Ramírez has consistently ranked among the top players in the league, finishing in the top five of the MVP balloting on six occasions, including a third-place finish in 2023 and a fifth-place finish in 2024.

Since his MLB debut in 2013, the Guardians have reached the postseason eight times, highlighted by their appearance in the 2016 World Series, where they faced the Chicago Cubs. The team has captured the AL Central title in the past two seasons, showcasing their competitive edge in the league.

Last season, Ramírez accomplished a notable milestone, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. He is now among an elite group of players, joining the ranks of Carlos Beltrán, who also achieved this feat as a switch-hitter. As of the start of 2026, Ramírez has recorded 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases, placing him in an exclusive category alongside baseball legends such as Robin Yount, Craig Biggio, and Derek Jeter.

Record-Breaking Achievements

In addition to his home run and stolen base accomplishments, Ramírez had a career-high of 44 stolen bases last season, making him just the fourth player in MLB history to have multiple seasons with at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases. His exceptional performance included a batting average of .283 and a remarkable 21-game hit streak from May 6 to May 28, 2023.

Ramírez also holds the franchise record for extra-base hits with 726 and has registered 27 multi-homer games. He ranks second in both home runs and RBIs, with 949 to his name.

As the Guardians look to build on their recent successes, retaining a player of José Ramírez’s caliber is a significant move that underscores the team’s ambitions for the future. With his new contract, Ramírez aims to continue making history and contribute to the Guardians’ quest for a championship title.